Volume 6, Chapter 5 - Colonel Kunito
"Thank you, you saved me. It's not Gero, um, I mean, is it Colonel Kunito or Shi○a Lieutenant?"
I called out to Colonel Kunito, who was flying alongside us on a red-armored Wyvern, looking apologetic.
"I am Colonel Shi○a."
Colonel Kunito, also known as Shi○a, replied.
"Oh? So, you haven't regained your senses from brainwashing yet?"
"Since the Savior was a Colonel, Kunito was promoted from Lieutenant to Colonel."
Princess Miyabi, who was piloting a large Wyvern in front of me, explained.
"Is that so?"
Seems like getting promoted is a natural consequence, though I can't really blame them, considering my past.
"It means you went from Second Lieutenant to Colonel, skipping Lieutenant. Impressive, isn't it?"
I said, realizing that while he achieved a significant rank, he's still burdened with various responsibilities.
Colonel Kunito, or rather, Shi○a, remained silent.
"Um, well, sorry for imposing so much. Thank you for saving me."
I bowed my head to Colonel Kunito.
"Don't worry about it. I've experienced the terror of predatory birds myself."
Colonel Kunito, or Shi○a, wore a slightly bitter expression.
Oh no, his voice sounds like Ikeda○ichi-san's, making it even more poignant. And to think it happened to me?
"Perhaps it was because you were chosen as the Savior that you were attacked."
As I spoke, I truly felt remorseful for my actions in this situation, having experienced the fear of predatory birds firsthand.
I'm sorry.
"I'm going to be a dad."
Oh no, he said something unbelievable in Ikeda○ichi-san's voice.
"What?!"
I exclaimed in surprise, making a strange sound.
"I've been attacked multiple times, repeatedly."
Princess Miyabi looked sad.
"No way!"
Apollito shivered beside me.
"Wait, it's hard to believe."
Mitsuki looked puzzled.
"She appears to be kind and normal at first. Then, one day, she changes completely."
Princess Miyabi answered Mitsuki with a terrifying look.
"I thought it was just an urban legend."
Mitsuki's face showed astonishment.
"No, it's more like a traditional event from ancient times. Of course, not all girls are like that. Maybe around 20 to 30 percent of women are predatory birds from the past."
"Well, for the royal family and major nobles, the percentage of predatory birds is much higher."
Aoi chimed in.
"The former king used to have a birthday party held by the nobles every year, and until the age of fifteen, it was a normal celebration. But on his sixteenth birthday, the noblewomen who used to get along well with him changed completely, and suddenly the former king ended up marrying eighteen wives at seventeen years old. So basically, they approach you with kindness and then come to eat you."
Princess Miyabi spoke seriously.
"What's this traditional event you're talking about?"
I was dumbfounded.
"The Holy Tree was made by the ancient gods to prevent this planet from deteriorating and to prevent human extinction. So, from the perspective of the Holy Tree, this is a good thing because it increases the number of children."
Princess Miyabi looked troubled.
"That's absurd!"
I replied. The idea of the Holy Tree tackling depopulation was giving me a headache.
"And besides, most likely, you won't be able to use all your escape skills. The Holy Tree won't help you escape."
"What?!"
That sounds like a pre-war Japanese slogan.
Wait, more importantly, why couldn't I use my escape skill during the zombie incident? Thank goodness I didn't.
"Ah, does that mean she's okay then?"
Apollio looked at Princess Miyabi with a worried expression.
"She'll be fine. If she's a predatory bird and engaged, she should have already given birth by now."
Aoi answered.
"No, no, she avoided me."
"No, that doesn't matter to a predatory bird."
Aoi said with a scary expression.
"That's scary! What's going on?"
Apollio trembled.
Dangerous. If I stay here, Apollio might end up changing too. Ah, speaking of changing, Colonel Kunito is in trouble too.
"Hey, Colonel Kunito, if you want, would you like to come with us? In other countries, they probably don't ask you to get married three times a day, and at this rate, you might get attacked by more predatory birds."
I asked him with concern.
"It's alright. I won't stand again."
Colonel Kunito, or Shi○a, replied a little sadly.
Why would you say that in Ikeda○ichi-san's voice?
"Eh? You can't stand?"
I asked, and Princess Miyabi looked away.
I knew it!
How terrifying.